en fin de compte

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en
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Translating...
in the end, ultimately, all things considered
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/ɑ̃ fɛ̃ də kɔ̃t/
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After everything has been considered or has happened.

Examples

  • En fin de compte, cette erreur nous a fait gagner du temps.
    As it turned out, that mistake saved us time.
  • En fin de compte, nous avons choisi le train.
    In the end, we chose the train.
  • Elle a hésité plusieurs jours et a décidé, en fin de compte, de rester.
    She hesitated for days and eventually decided to stay.
  • Le débat a été long, mais en fin de compte tout le monde a accepté le plan.
    The debate was long, but ultimately everyone accepted the plan.
  • Ce changement coûte cher, mais en fin de compte il sera utile.
    The change is expensive, but in the end it will be useful.

Similar words

en définitive
tout compte fait
au bout du compte

Meanings

Final outcome or judgment

conclusion
neutral
Introduces the conclusion reached after events, discussion or reflection.

Examples

  • En fin de compte, nous avons choisi le train.
    In the end, we chose the train.
  • Le débat a été long, mais en fin de compte tout le monde a accepté le plan.
    The debate was long, but ultimately everyone accepted the plan.
  • En fin de compte, cette erreur nous a fait gagner du temps.
    As it turned out, that mistake saved us time.
  • Elle a hésité plusieurs jours et a décidé, en fin de compte, de rester.
    She hesitated for days and eventually decided to stay.
  • Ce changement coûte cher, mais en fin de compte il sera utile.
    The change is expensive, but in the end it will be useful.

Similar words

Etymology

Compte evokes a final reckoning; the fixed phrase applies that image to a decision or outcome.

FAQ

What does en fin de compte mean?

In the end or ultimately.

Does it introduce the first idea?

No, it points to a final conclusion.

Can it follow a change of plan?

Yes, it often introduces the eventual choice.

Is it about money accounts?

No, the reckoning is figurative.

What similar phrase exists?

Tout compte fait is close.

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